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Treatment
Your PODIATRIST has the correct instruments at his / her disposal to treat all nail conditions including Onychocryptosis (ingrown toenails), Onychauxic (thickened) nails, Onychogryphosis (Deformed nails), Onychomycosis (Fungal infected nails), Onycholysis (separation of the nail from the nail bed), or Onychophosis (inflammation around the nail).
Many people, for a variety of different reasons, are no longer able to bend to reach their feet, making cutting their toenails extremely difficult or even painul. These people comprise about 60% of the patients your PODIATRIST sees every single day. Therefore, he / she will be more than happy to assist you with this task too.
Fungal Nails
Definition
Fungal infections are often characterised by thickening, discolouration or separation of the front of the nail from the nail bed. In some cases the nail may become crumbly and flakey. Fungal infections of the nails are among the most troublesome of nail problems because of their difficulty in treating.
Causes
Fungi, called dermatophytes, infect the nail.
A person with a fungal nail infection can infect others through communal areas where bare feet are preferred. These include, but are not limited to, baths, showers, swimming pools and spas.
Treatment
There are a wide range of anti-fungal medication available which your PODIATRIST can advise you about.
Your PODIATRIST can also assist with trimming and caring for out-of-shape nails.
In the most severe cases the nail, or part of it may need to be removed so that a new, non-infected nail can regrow.
Ingrown Toenails
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are common in the podiatry clinic and will always be managed conservatively prior to any thought of surgery.
Conservative measures include removal of the nail spicule, advice on appropriate footwear and correct nail cutting techniques if these issues have proven to be contributing to the ingrown toenails.
Nail surgery is only indicated when conservative management of ingrown toenails fails. It may also be required when nails are abnormally curved, thickened, damaged or if fungal infection is a problem. It involves removing part or the whole of the nail plate and matrix.
Once the matrix is removed the offending piece of nail will never grow back.
The procedure itself is painless due to the administration of a local anesthetic. Once the nail matrix is removed a chemical is applied to ensure regrowth does not occur.
If the side/s of the nail are removed the skin will heal to give a normal looking nail that is slightly narrower.
If the whole nail is removed the nail bed toughens over a few weeks so the area is not tender.
Your PODIATRIST will instruct you in detail on post-operative care as the first 3 days following nail surgery are crucial for rapid healing.
